More than half a million voters were expected to cast their votes out of the nation's 1.1 million population.

There are 12 candidates on the ballot but only three were seen as strong contenders which include, Jose Ramos-Horta, former armed forces chief Taur Matan Ruak (or ''TMR'' as he is known), and former parliamentary speaker Francisco "Lu-Olo" Guterres.

Election observers from the international community were seen in the capital Dili, including large number of observers from Australia.

Media people covering the event reported the situation is calm and there is relative peace in the country.